2018 Bracton Law Society Scandal

The 2018 Bracton Law Society Scandal involved screenshots of text messages been leaked from the Whatsapp chat group of Bracton Law Society (BLS), a student law society at the University of Exeter. The racist messages were publicised on social media, which led to the society being dissolved and some students being suspended and expelled.[1]

Background

Bracton Law Society was a student law society founded in the University of Exeter in 1965.[1] It was named after English jurist Henry de Bracton, who was appointed the chancellor of Exeter Cathedral in 1264. At its largest, BLS had more than 1000 student members and partnerships with 35 major law firms.[2] University of Exeter student Arsalan Motavali created a Whatsapp groupchat for BLS members in November 2017. Later on fellow University of Exeter student Matthew Bell replaced Motavali as the group administrator and changed the name to "Dodgy Blokes Soc".[3]

Incident

Five Exeter law students sent allegedly racist, islamphobic and sexist messages in the group, including “if you ain’t English, go home,” “bomb the mosques,” “we need a race war,” and "rape them lifeless."[4][5] In March 2018, Motavali took screenshots of the conversations and posted them on Facebook, where they were shared more than 6000 times.[6] He also reported the incident to the university and Exeter's students' union, Exeter Guild.[7][8]

Investigation

On 20 March, the university announced that it had informed Devon and Cornwall Police alongside launching an internal investigation regarding the incident.[8][5] The five students involved were suspended for a week while the investigation took place.[9][10]

Reactions

Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith said "These outcomes are subject to appeal... but they show our absolute commitment to take serious action against those whose behaviour is fundamentally at odds with the commitment to inclusivity, tolerance and respect that lies at the heart of everything we stand for." A spokesman for the university commented "The University of Exeter does not tolerate any form of racist, sexist or bigoted behaviour and is committed to eradicating any instances of discrimination and harassment that may arise."[11] On 19 March 2018, BLS posted on Twitter "Bracton Law Society has taken the decision to remove those involved from committee... The Society does not condone or tolerate such behaviour"[12] The Students' Guild, stated that "The Students’ Guild do not tolerate this kind of behaviour. We have launched a major investigation in conjunction with the University."[3]

On 22 March, students at the university organised a peaceful protest on Streatham campus, which aimed to raise awareness of racism on campus.[13][14]

Bell issued an apology, stating: "I will not attempt to excuse and deny any of the statements I have made. The comments, which I shall not repeat, are inexcusable and undeniably wrong."[5][15]

Aftermath

The university announced that it had suspended and expelled an unspecified number of students. Bell and Crawford were dismissed by their law firms, Hill Dickinson and Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, respectively.[16] Bracton Law Society was officially disbanded and replaced by a new student society.[1][17][18]

On 3 June 2018, Exeter Guild organised its first, annual Exeter Respect on Campus event which aimed to end racism on campus through food, speeches and performing arts.[19][20]

See also

References
  1. "'Racist' law society disbanded by University of Exeter". BBC. 14 December 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  2. Richards, Alex (20 March 2018). "Exeter's Bracton Law Society is at the centre of an alleged racism scandal - but what is it and what do they do?". Devon Live. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  3. "Exclusive: Exeter Law Society racist group chat messages exposed". The Tab. 19 March 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  4. Marsh, Sarah (20 March 2018). "University of Exeter investigates claims of racist WhatsApp group". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  5. "Exeter university students suspended over racism and rape claims". BBC. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  6. Gray, Isabelle (30 September 2018). "Exeter ranks as the fourth least inclusive university in the UK". Exposé.
  7. "Exeter University investigates law students' "racist" messages". BBC. 19 March 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  8. "Named and pictured: The five students sending racist messages in the Exeter group chat". The Tab. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  9. Evans, Owain (20 March 2018). "Students suspended following BLS group chat reveal". Exeposé. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  10. @UniofExeter (20 March 2018). "Following reports of allegations involving a small group of students, the University has launched a major investigation, in conjunction with the Students' Guild, and suspended the students while this takes place. The police have also been informed" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  11. Preston-Ellis, Rom (20 March 2018). "Exeter University student accused of racist messages loses lucrative job offer". Decon Live. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  12. @bractonlaw (19 March 2018). "Following tonight's incident, Bracton Law Society has taken the decision to remove those involved from committee, ban the candidate from the ongoing election and indefinitely ban all those involved from the Society. The Society does not condone or tolerate such behaviour" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. Hendry, Sharon (2 April 2018). "Students demand UK universities take urgent action against racism". The Guardian.
  14. Hawkins, Jamie (22 March 2018). "Rally to take place at Exeter University today after racism scandal". Devon Live.
  15. "Exeter university students expelled over racist comments". BBC. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  16. Finn, Aisling (20 March 2018). "Now two students in the racist Exeter group chat have been fired by their law firms". The Tab. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  17. Finn, Aisling (12 December 2018). "Bracton Law Society has been disbanded by The Guild". The Tab. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  18. Shaw, Neil (14 December 2018). "Students' group shut down after vile racism row". Devon Live. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  19. "About Exeter Respect on Campus". Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  20. "University of Exeter Students' Guild launches 'Exeter Respect on Campus' celebration". University of Exeter. 25 May 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
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